Frequently Asked Questions
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Planning your wedding is a big deal—and I know how many questions can come up when choosing the right photographer. Whether you’re planning a local Southern California wedding, a destination celebration, or a heartfelt elopement, this page is here to help.
Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions that couples ask about my process, offerings, booking details, and what it’s like to work with me. If something isn’t covered here, I’m always just an email away.
📸 Photography Style & Experience
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My style is a mix of documentary candids and playfully guided posed portraits. I’m known for my warm-toned, true-to-color, timeless editing and for creating space for couples to feel natural and comfortable.
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Absolutely. Most of my couples tell me they’re camera-shy — but they end up laughing, feeling relaxed, and often forgetting the camera is even there.
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Yes. My primary workflow is digital, but I offer 35mm and medium format film as an add-on for couples who love a more nostalgic, cinematic feel.
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Yes — I hand-edit every image to ensure that it reflects my aesthetic and the emotion and colors of the day.
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Yes! I include a mix of color and black and white images.
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A thousand times yes! I love fur babies. If you’re bringing your pet to an outdoor engagement session, I recommend bringing a friend to care for your pet when they’re not being photographed.
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Yes—with my whole heart. I believe everyone deserves to be seen, safe, and celebrated on their wedding day. I’ve had the honor of photographing love stories from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ weddings, interfaith ceremonies, cultural fusions, and nontraditional celebrations. My approach is rooted in respect, joy, and connection—no matter who you are or how you love.
“We were blown away by the sneak peeks that arrived so quickly — it felt like we were reliving the day all over again.”
💍 Wedding Day Details
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Yes. My wedding day collections include a second photographer to ensure we can capture simultaneous moments—like both of you getting ready—and preserve every angle of your story.
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Yes! You’ll receive a preview gallery within 48 hours of your wedding — ideal for sharing with friends and family while everything’s still fresh.
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Depending on your collection, you’ll receive your full gallery in 3 to 6 weeks. I’ll always communicate a clear delivery window.
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Yes! You’re welcome to add extra hours at any time, up to the week of your wedding.
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In the rare case of an emergency, I have an associate photographer and a network of highly trusted photographers I can call upon, as well as a second photographer who would already be scheduled to work at your wedding. You’d be in excellent hands. I would still edit the final images so your photos remain consistent with my style.
“The whole day felt so natural and didn’t feel forced at all. Pamela captured everything without ever being in the way — it was magic.”
🎥 Videography & Content Creation
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Yes! I offer highlight films, documentary-length wedding films, and ceremony/speech edits as an add-on to photography. I do not currently offer video as a standalone service.
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Absolutely. I offer content creation as an add-on—this includes short-form, vertical social clips designed for TikTok, Reels, or Stories, captured organically throughout the day.
“Pamela made us feel safe, seen, and truly celebrated — and that meant everything.”
💌 Engagements & Proposals
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Engagement sessions are planned photoshoots, usually scheduled after you’re already engaged (you can check out this blog post for more information about engagement sessions). Proposal photography is capturing the proposal moment itself, with time for some portraits after. The pricing difference reflects the extra planning, discretion, and logistics involved.
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Yes — I’ll help guide you to locations that reflect your vibe and light beautifully. I also have a growing online guide of favorite and hidden gem photo locations around Southern California and beyond.
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I do! I regularly photograph events and people all across California, and I also accept a limited number of destination bookings each year.
“We were so nervous it would feel stiff or cheesy, but Pamela had us laughing and totally at ease. We looked like ourselves — and that’s exactly what we wanted.”
🗓️ Booking & Planning
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Most couples book me 8–18 months in advance for weddings or 1–3 months in advance for weekday engagement and proposal photography. Popular dates go quickly, especially for spring and fall.
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Absolutely! I’d love to meet you over Zoom or a quick call to chat through your day and answer any questions.
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Yes — and many of my couples find me through their planners. I work closely with planners to ensure the timeline is smooth and photography-friendly.
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Yes — I offer timeline planning assistance to help ensure great light, a relaxed flow, and time for all the moments that matter to you.
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Albums and prints can be ordered directly through your gallery. I offer beautiful heirloom-quality options you can select after the wedding.
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Photography is at the heart of what I do. Videography and content creation are only available as add-ons to photography coverage.
“She arrived early, even before we expected, and treated our guests and family with such grace. The day ran perfectly, and the photos reflected that care.”
✈️ Destination Weddings
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Yes! I photograph a select number of destination weddings each year, both within the U.S. and internationally. Whether you're planning a Tuscan villa celebration, a coastal elopement in Big Sur, or an intimate ceremony in the South of France, I'm always excited to travel for love stories in meaningful locations.
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All of my destination packages include full-day photography coverage, timeline guidance, and travel arrangements handled by me for ease. I typically arrive at least one day in advance to scout, adapt to light, and connect with your planner or team. Travel and lodging are quoted as a flat fee, so you’ll never have surprise charges.
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Yes — a flat-rate travel fee is added to cover flights, accommodations, and transportation for myself (if you’re booking an intimate wedding) or myself and my second photographer (for full wedding day packages). This is determined based on the location and complexity of the trip and is always shared upfront during the booking process.
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Absolutely! Destination weddings are the perfect opportunity to capture additional portraits before or after the wedding day in a stunning setting. These sessions are available as à la carte add-ons or can be built into a custom collection.